Unit 5.2A Assignment


On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.

Student Name:

Elizabeth Caruso



Title of Site:

EasyBib

URL:

http://www.easybib.com/

Description of Site:


EasyBib is a website that creates citations. The user enters the information about the source and the cite will convert it into the appropriate format. It can do this for different types of sources including websites, books, and newspaper articles.

The site has both free and paid features. The free features do not require setting up an account. It will cite 23 different types of sources, all using MLA format. The paid version allows the user to have access to citations for 59 different sources. A variety of different formats can be used including APA and Chicago. EasyBib has ads which are large and can be annoying. These disappear with the paid version.

Collaboration and the sharing of content is possible if the user purchases the Classroom Suite. This version is perfect for teachers. It supports different types of instruction and works with a variety of platforms including Google Apps. There are two types of Classroom Suites. Research Ready allows teachers to access student's work for assessments. Easy Scholar allows teachers to collaborate with students online.

The paid version is definitely appropriate for use in schools. In general, the free version is appropriate for students as early as fifth grade. While the ads seem harmless, I prefer no ads in online tools used by students. Students must understand how to copy and paste in order to capture the citation.

Educational Uses of Site


This is an effective tool for research in the classroom. It helps the student create citations. Students must understand where their sources come from, but they are not slowed down or confused by formatting. For example: a student might use information from National Geographic's website. When they use EasyBib, they will be prompted to provide all the necessary information to cite the website. It then creates a citation with the information provided and tells the user what type of information is missing.

Review of Site


I think this is a great site for supporting student research in the classroom. My students this year found formatting their sources very confusing. This site simplifies the creation of a bibliography and helps them understand the process. It is a valuable teaching tool.